Smarter Water Systems Through Artificial Intelligence Models

The conversation around AI is understandably dominated by large language models, yet the computational cost and expertise required to deploy them remains out of reach for most water engineering organizations — even as sensor and telemetry data grows faster than engineers can interpret it. This presentation explores a practical intermediate path: smaller, first-principles-aligned AI models paired with agentic workflow orchestration that lower the barrier to entry while preserving interpretability and deployability. Three applied examples spanning force main monitoring, treatment optimization, and collection system planning and control ground the discussion, illustrating how embedding domain physics into smaller models can improve reliability under uncertain climate and growth conditions. Together, they offer a concrete and auditable bridge toward more sophisticated AI integration in water systems.

Caleb Buahin is a hydroinformatics engineer with over 15 years of experience in engineering consulting and applied research. His work advances integrated modeling frameworks and digital technologies for cost-effective and resilient water systems. He has applied these frameworks to a range of water systems, including large lake/reservoir–river systems, stormwater and wastewater collection systems, and drinking water distribution networks. Caleb is currently a lead data scientist at Hazen and Sawyer, where he fuses traditional engineering methods with emerging AI/ML techniques to help clients navigate the ongoing digital water transformation. Areas of concentration include long-term control and capital improvement planning, predictive maintenance, and digital twins for real-time control and operational decision support.

Session will take place 4-5pm, followed by networking 5-6pm. Refreshments will be provided. Meetups are hosted the third Wednesday of each month at Union Hall in OTR and feature subject matter experts and enthusiasts in the fields of data and analytics.

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Gifthealth for providing refreshments. Gifthealth is a digital platform that automates the coordination between providers, insurance payers, and pharmacies to streamline the prescription lifecycle. They've built an interoperable system that handles complex tasks like electronic prior authorizations and real-time cost-optimization to ensure patients get their medications without the typical manual delays. If you're interested in a new career, check out their current openings.
• InfoTrust, our digital sponsor. If you are looking for a new position, check out their website at infotrust.com/careers- they are a great place to work right here in the Cincinnati area.
• Cintrifuse for providing the space to meet. If you’re a founder looking for support, be sure to visit cintrifuse.com- they're a startup catalyst and innovation hub right here in the greater Cincinnati area.

Transportation options to Union Hall include:

• Bus: there are over 10 bus stops within a three block radius of Union Hall. These stops are serviced by lines that go to neighborhoods including Walnut Hills, Norwood, Pleasant Ridge, Northside, College Hill, Clifton, Mt. Auburn, Avondale, Finneytown, and others. Bus fare within Hamilton County is $2.20, and you can plan your trip using the Transit app: transitapp.com.
• Cycling: bike parking is available on the street right outside Union Hall, and bikes are permitted inside Union Hall, if you would prefer to bring your bike inside.
• Driving: the Mercer Commons Garage is right across the street from Union Hall, and is $4 for 2 hours.

By participating in this meetup, attendees agree to help foster a welcoming, respectful, and professional environment for all participants. Harassment, discriminatory conduct, unwanted advances, intimidation, or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of others’ personal boundaries, engage respectfully in discussions and networking, and help create a positive experience for everyone regardless of background or experience level. Organizers reserve the right to address behavior that does not align with these expectations. For concerns or questions, please contact cincinnatidatameetup@gmail.com.